Dukes All Summer Long
Various Authors

What better way is there to read the work of seventeen authors than through a collection of romance novellas written by authors you may have previously read or might never have read before. Romance through the eyes of seventeen couples, or more, that you get live vicariously with them as they meet and fall in love. I love finding collections like this one and immediately read the authors I know and love then branched out and read one or two more.

A ROWBOAT TO RUIN by Kathleen Ayers
What could Lady Analise Peregrine, entomologist quoting Latin bug names and Luke, a Marquess who hates Latin, find to draw them together after his appearance sees her fall from a rowboat? Smiled a lot reading this story

LESSONS IN TAMING A RAKE by Tracy Sumner
Another boating accident provides a second chance at happiness for Juliet and Dare after their parting five years before they meet once again. Liked this couple a lot.

THE DUKE’S LAST LOVE by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot is firmly on the Spinster Shelf when she runs across a young couple in trouble on their way to Gretna Green. When she the young man’s guardian…sparks fly. Her level head sets a plan in play that benefits all four of them. Contentment at the end of this tale.

DUKE’S LIKE THIS by Bronwen Evans
A passion for swimming in the nearby cove leads to a different type of passionate true love for Caitria and Lucien with only the wide class divide to be overcome by one who doesn’t feel good enough for the other. Another wonderful story.

BE MY DUKE by Tanya Wilde
Barnaby and Cecelia have been friends for years when a masquerade party kiss changes things forever…well…once their eyes are opened and they manage to realize what they mean to one another.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Delightful, Historical Romance Boxed Set
This massive collection of Regency novellas is packed with charm, surprises, and a whole lot of dukes. I decided to review each story individually—there’s something special in each one, and fans of historical romance are sure to find favorites.
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“A Rowboat to Ruin” by Kathleen Ayers
This is a charming story of a marquess and a bluestocking who cross paths in the most unexpected way. Analise is an entomologist in search of a rare beetle, and the land she needs to explore just happens to be owned by a marquess who isn’t supposed to be there. But Finley has escaped London for some peace and quiet—far from the reach of eager debutantes. When Analise spots something large in the lake as she rows toward his property, her plans take a sudden turn. Finley thought he’d be safe from romantic entanglements, but he never expected a bluestocking to steal his heart. Love wasn’t on either of their agendas—and Analise is a spinster, far beneath him in rank. But does that really matter?
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“Dukes Like This” by Bronwen Evans
Can a simple Irish lass truly capture a duke’s heart? When Alexander sees Caitria swimming, he’s instantly enchanted. But he assumes she’s his friend’s mistress—and that mistake doesn’t sit well with her. Caitria is drawn to Alexander despite her better judgment, but she doesn’t believe she’s duchess material. Can he convince her otherwise? I loved this sweet, class-crossing romance and the duke who didn’t care about titles.
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“The Duke’s Last Love” by Mary Lancaster
This later-in-life romance comes with a bonus: two love stories in one. When Elaine takes in a pair of young lovers whose carriage has broken down, she doesn’t expect to bump into the vexing—yet intriguing—Duke of Drimmen. He catches her swimming almost naked and insists on walking her back to her hotel. What happens when they arrive is quite a surprise. A delightful mix of romance, maturity, and just a hint of suspense.
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“The Duke’s Deepest Depths” by Deb Marlowe
Carter never expected to become a duke—but now that he has, danger follows. He’s protecting a witness from someone who wants her dead, and his path collides with Meritt’s over a charming little cottage they both want. What starts as a property squabble becomes something more… but can romance bloom while someone lurks in the shadows, ready to strike?
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“Lakeside Suitor” by Emily Murdoch
Amethyst thought she’d been abandoned by the man she loved. But a chance meeting by the lake brings everything back. Robert is now a duke, but that doesn’t change what they once had—or does it? Why did he disappear for two years? Was it all a misunderstanding? This short second-chance romance tugged at my heart.
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“Lessons in Taming a Rake” by Tracy Sumner
Juliet and Dorian once loved one another deeply. An accident brings them face-to-face again. Can their love survive what separated them—and is it just as strong as before? This steamy second-chance romance was both emotional and satisfying.
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“Tidal Affair” by Ruth A. Casie
A widow and a duke, both hiding away at the coast, find themselves drawn together despite every reason not to be. Honoria runs a school for young ladies; Reese is keeping secrets. What happens when identities are revealed, and hiding is no longer an option? Can two people running from life learn to embrace love instead?
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“The Duke’s Secret Wager” by Sherry Ewing
A wager and a house party bring Georgina and Laurence, the Duke of Stonehaven, into each other’s path. Neither wants marriage—she’s wary of fortune hunters, and he’s had enough of title-chasers. But love has other ideas. What happens when Georgina finds out about the wager? Could love overcome the betrayal?
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“A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke” by Elizabeth Heights
Rose has secretly loved Sebastian for years, but she thought he only saw her as his sister’s friend. He, on the other hand, believed she didn’t care for him at all. When Rose’s scheming stepfather tries to marry her off to an old man to settle a debt, Sebastian’s sister intervenes with a scandalous plan. Will a rake’s reputation be enough to save Rose—and finally bring their hidden feelings into the light?
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“The Midnight Rendezvous” by Marie Higgins
Five years ago, Graham left without a word, breaking Eleanor’s heart. Now he’s back—and a duke. But why did he abandon her despite loving her? Eleanor has her own secrets, and a man determined to possess her may force her hand. Can Graham win back her heart before it’s too late? I loved this second-chance romance and the tension it carried.
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“Her Coastal Crush” by Matilda Madison
Emily thinks she’s falling for one brother—but it’s the more serious one who’s been writing to her all along. The letters, the feelings, the confusion… Who is she truly in love with? A delightfully tangled story of mistaken identity and heartfelt choices.
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“A Season to Surrender” by Amanda Mariel
At a house party, two wounded souls cross paths. Lilian and Griffith have both lost loved ones and carry the weight of that grief. But in one another, they begin to see the possibility of joy again. Can they surrender the past and open themselves to a future filled with love?
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“Charmed by Lord Love” by Cara Maxwell
Misunderstandings, attraction, and… a lake monster? Amelia thinks Matthew is a rake—but things aren’t quite what they seem. A mysterious creature in the water brings them together, pulls them apart, and has a hand in what might be their happily-ever-after. This one made me smile—and giggle more than once.
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“A Duke for All Time” by Paula Quinn
Connall is suddenly thrown from his modern-day living room into 1795 England—and right into danger. There, he meets Sarah, and the two are drawn to each other. But Connall is destined to return to his time. Can love survive across centuries? This story continues the time-travel arc from A Touch of Time, and while it can be read on its own, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you read that one first. Time travel can be dizzying, but in the best way.
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“The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure” by Fil Reid
Dan inherits a dukedom—and mountains of debt. Then he meets Cassandra, the illegitimate daughter of the late duke, who believes a centuries-old treasure may be hidden somewhere on the estate. Can they find it? And what happens when love becomes the real treasure? I’m a sucker for stories involving hidden riches, and this one did not disappoint.
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“The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness” by Wren St. Claire
Fenella is a bold debutante; Beroald is a military captain turned duke—and eighteen years her senior. He rescues her from drowning, and she promptly tells him she has things under control. Their age difference raises eyebrows, but their attraction is undeniable. Can they convince her father that their love is real?
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“Be My Duke” by Tanya Wilde
Celia and Barnaby have been best friends for fifteen years. Now she’s encouraging him to find a wife—but maybe love has been right in front of them all along. One kiss threatens everything… or maybe it finally makes things clear. I loved this friends-to-lovers story. It’s sweet, fun, and utterly satisfying.
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Final Thoughts:
This boxed set is a treat for historical romance lovers—full of second chances, charming dukes, determined heroines, and heartwarming endings. Whether you enjoy suspense, humor, class-crossing romances, or even a little time travel, there’s something here for every mood. Best of all, each story is short enough to enjoy in a single sitting. Highly recommended for your summer reading list!

I adored several of the stories in this compilation! Kathleen Ayers and Tracy Sumner always hit the right spot for me!

Thank you for the chance to read early

A fun collection. Every reader will have some standout stories, and that’s the fun of a book like this - we’ll all have different favorites. There’s a trope for everyone and dukes of all kind - reluctant, arrogant, intriguing. Perfect quick reads for summer!

I am normally not a fan of novellas. The character development is often rushed and the plotlines, at least for historical romances, follow the same formulas which make one indistinguishable from another. However, an anthology like this gave me a chance to find some new (to me) authors to follow.

Dukes All Summer Long anthology

A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers
Analise is writing a paper on ladybugs and find romance instead. What’s a spinster to do when a half dressed man builds a fire and proceeds to seduce her?

Sexy and cozy, he has secrets to share that will change her life.
A quick seduction, both willing and ready for a change in their lives.

Duke’s Like This by Bronwen Evans
Caitria O’Donnell has traveled from Ireland with Lord Foroe to care for her sister’s child. Lord Foroe and his wife have welcomed Caitria into their home though her background is a much different class. A chance meeting with the Duke of Summerton has her intrigued and he admits he wants more than a dalliance with her.

The Duke falls for the farmers daughter. But it’s never that simple.

The Duke’s Last Love by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot, on the way to Blackhaven, rescues two young people from a broken carriage, a rushed marriage, and from the Duke that’s followed them to stop the marriage. Elaine manages the young people, kisses the Duke and everyone takes her advice as authority.

A smart woman who is able to assess the situation and turn the situation to success. Falling in love with a Duke is unexpected.

The Duke’s Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe
Carter Abbott, the newly minted Duke of Belmont, has given up his legal career and traveled to Weyland House to do his duty as landowner. His former assistant asks him to hide a key witness, famous playwright Linwood, and what better place than the theater on the cliff, at the edge of his estate. Lady Merritt Bering has already purchased the home and theater but that doesn’t stop Cart from asking for her help.

Short mystery and romance for Cart and Merritt as they flirt and grow close. She really needs to learn to swim.

The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E K Murdoch
Miss Amethyst de Petras is a cousin to the large family she lives with, not a sibling. Two years ago she fell in love with Robert Peterson at the estate lake. But when the family left the country, she had to travel with them. And she never heard from Robert again. Returning to the lake, she never expected to see him. But he’s there.

Aww. Short, sweet and forgiving.


Lessons in Taming a Rakeby Tracy Sumner
Dorian Montrose and Juliet were once neighbors in Derbyshire. And more. But she was older than he of a higher class. So she sent him away.
They are both back in Derbyshire. He’s a self made and independent man. She’s still unmarried, having refused five proposals. They can’t resist falling back into each other’s arms.

11 additional stories of Dukes and their falling in love, follow the ones above.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased a copy to keep.

This collection of stories was thoroughly something I didn't expect.. I can say that every single one of them delivered something special in their own right and then some.. this collection also introduced me to authors I haven't read anything by yet as well..

I only got through 1/3 of this book. Of the stories read, only 2 made me wish they were full-blown novels. The others were by authors I don't read, and while their stories were somewhat cute, none of what I read made me want to continue with the book. I guess my assumption that this compilation of authors would be a good way to expose myself to new ones would work. It didn't in regard to this book.

"Lessons in Training a Rake" - Tracy Sumner crafts a poignant and deeply passionate second-chance romance that tugs at every heartstring. Juliet Fairchild, a baron’s spinster daughter and now a woman marked by solitude, never expected to feel Dorian Montrose’s presence like a lightning strike again. Their reunion, after five years of heartbreak and unspoken pain, pulses with raw emotion and unrelenting desire.

What sets this novella apart is its emotional candor as every stolen glance and quiet ache speaks volumes. Juliet’s sacrifice was born of love, but it’s Dorian’s grief and simmering longing that flood the pages with urgency. As they stumble through regret and rekindle what once was, the reader is swept into a love story aching to be reclaimed. This story is a heart-clutching reminder that love, when given a second chance, can bloom fiercer than ever. And best of all, it’s just the beginning. Lessons in Training a Rake kicks off Tracy Sumner’s upcoming Rookery Rebels series, and if this is how it starts, I’m ready to devour every single tale to come!

A delightful anthology with a collection from some splendid authors.

Kathleen Ayers - A rowboat to ruin - A story of bookish (insect-ish?) Annalese and a reluctantly and recently titled Marquess of Tenburgh - Finley. A very believable insta-love story and some great spice.

Wren St. Claire - Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness - enjoyable and steamy, but the insta-love was just too abrupt. Also personal preference, but I am not a fan big age gaps, where the younger person is a (19 year old in this case) debutante.

Emily E K Murdoch - The lakeside suitor - a short, sweet and spicy second chance story of Amethyst and Robert

Matilda Madison - Her coastal crush - This was a new author to me that I quite enjoyed. A wonderful friends-to-lovers story where Gregory writes letters to Emily under his brother’s name, afraid of rejection. Through the letters they both realize their feelings for each other.

Fil Reid - The Duke, the Valkyrie and the lost treasure - a very short easy read, insta-love and mystery involved.

Paula Quinn - A duke of all time - a fast paced time travel story. Very well written, wish it was longer as there was a lot going on for a short story.

Tanya Wilde - Be my duke - a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story with just the right amount of spice. As always for Tanya Wilde - a very well written story.

Cara Maxwell - Charmed by Lord Love - A meet cute and a fast love story between bookish Matthew and charming Amelia

Amanda Mariel - A season to surrender - another new to me author, whose story I really enjoyed. An emotional story of Lilian and Griffith, who bond over their shared difficult life experiences and come together to help each other bear the expectations that the world and society place on them and find joy in it.

I love a good romance anthology and DUKES ALL SUMMER LONG did not disappoint! I enjoyed each story and couldn’t possibly pick a favourite - they were that good! If you enjoy historical romances and novella length reads, then this is a must read for you! If you are on the fence, I highly recommend you give this a try and enjoy a quick, read in one sitting romance between longer, heavier reads. Trust me, you will grow to love them just as much as I do. I’m giving DUKES ALL SUMMER LONG the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Fun, some steamy, historical romances from 15+ authors. These short stories are a great way to be introduced to new genre authors and sample their style. At the end of each short story is a link to more information about the author and where and how to read their other books if you like them. I would definitely recommend this anthology to find some new favorites.

A delightfully long collection of Regency romance short stories which all, in some way or another, make readers believe in true love. A majority of the stories revolve around a lake, which highlights the seasonal nature of the text. I highly recommend this as a way to discover new authors or be reintroduced to an old favorite. A thousand pages have never flown by so quickly! I genuinely love this collection.

There are so many stories here that you are pretty much guaranteed to find a lot to enjoy (and some that you do not like as much) - which is always a sign of a good anthology because it means there is a lot of variety. Some of these may be standalones, but many are parts of series. This worked well for me if I had read the series of which they were a part, but for those I have not read it was easy to feel like I did not have a complete grasp on everything going on. The only problem with a series of short stories/novellas (I am not sure what these are officially considered) is that most of the time the narrative relies on a love-at-first-sight premise because there is so little time for the characters to meet and end in a happy ending. My favorites in this collection are:
- The Duke's Last Love (a nice addition to the One Night in Blackhaven series)
- The Duke's Deepest Depths (a little romance, a little mystery)
- A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke
- The Midnight Waltz
- Her Coastal Crush
- The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness

Dukes All Summer Long is a charming historical romance anthology filled with quick reads and familiar tropes. While I appreciated the variety of authors and settings, not every story landed for me—some felt rushed, and a few relied too heavily on insta-love.

My personal favorites featured couples with shared emotional history—like The Duke’s Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing, The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E. K. Murdoch, A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights, Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner, and Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison. These stood out for their relatable characters, solid pacing, or emotional resonance—especially within the short story format.

A few entries dipped into time travel or mystery, which didn’t match my taste. A Duke For All Time and The Duke’s Deepest Depths in particular didn’t quite work for me, either due to genre or underdeveloped emotional arcs.

Overall, this is a great summer read for historical romance fans looking for bite-sized love stories—especially if you enjoy dukes, lakeside escapes, and love that blooms from shared history rather than instant attraction.

Dukes All Summer Long is a delightful collection of short stories by popular romance authors. It's the perfect book for when you only have time for a quick read and need a cheerful mood pick me up. There's a lot of variety in the stories from second chances at love, time travel, friends to lovers and so much more. Not only did I enjoy stories from my favorite authors like Kathleen Ayers, Darcy Burke, & Emily E K Murdoch, I have found new authors I like too after reading their stories.

I usually prefer books with one fully detailed story but Dukes All Summer Long was quite fun. It's an enjoyable way to spend some time relaxing each evening, reading one story each time.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is a delightful, varied collection that’s like a box of gourmet chocolates: best savored one piece (or story) at a time.

If you’re craving a breezy, sun-drenched escape packed with dukes, wit, and swoon-worthy moments, "Dukes All Summer Long" is the perfect poolside companion. This anthology delivers seventeen (!) never-before-published Regency romances, each brimming with tropes tailor-made for historical romance lovers: enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, wallflowers vs. rakes, and even a dash of time travel.

Highlights & Standouts:
- Kathleen Ayers’ "A Rowboat to Ruin" kicks off the collection with a quirky, charming bang. A spinster entomologist collides (literally) with a rakish marquess in a rowboat—what follows is pure banter-filled bliss. Nerdy heroines forever!
- Tracy Sumner’s "Lessons in Taming a Rake" is a sizzling second-chance romance with an older heroine and a reformed rake. The chemistry is off the charts here, and so well-written.
- Bronwen Evans’ "Duke’s Like This" gives us class-defying romance between a duke and an Irish farmer’s daughter—sweet, steamy, and full of heart.
- Tanya Wilde’s "Be My Duke" closes the anthology on a high note with friends-to-lovers perfection: a masquerade ball, a stolen kiss, and years of pent-up longing. Sigh.

As with any anthology, mileage varies by story—a few felt rushed, but the majority are gems. Standouts from Matilda Madison ("Her Coastal Crush") and Wren St. Claire ("The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness"*) introduced me to new authors. The heat levels range from sweet to spicy, so there’s something for every mood.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dukes All Summer Long! This anthology of 17 short stories was a delightful read from start to finish. My absolute favorite was the very first story featuring an entomologist and a duke—it was charming, quirky, and utterly endearing. I have a soft spot for nerdy characters, and this one hit all the right notes.

The collection as a whole is a great way to discover new voices in historical romance. None of the stories rated under 3 stars for me, which is impressive for such a large group of authors. My TBR pile has definitely grown, and I’ve already signed up for Dragonblade Publishing's email updates to stay on top of their new releases.

If you're looking for a breezy, feel-good anthology that introduces you to a variety of talented romance authors, I highly recommend this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this anthology, sometimes these shorter books are just what U need, especially in the summer when I am busy and have less reading time. My favorites were Tracey Sumner and Kathleen Ayers novels.

I love, love, love these short stories. Not only are they quick reads full of life, laughter and joy...but each has been written by some of my all time favorite authors! In some cases, the story is of a secondary character or characters from a series that the reader has always wanted to see have their own story. In other stories, the characters were new and lead you to want to read more from that author if they are new to you. In any case, don't miss out on picking up this book as it's fabulous and a terrific read.